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Pathogen reduction in human plasma using an ultrashort pulsed laser
Shaw-Wei D Tsen1, David H Kingsley2, Karen Kibler3
1Department of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, United States of America.
Abstract:
Pathogen reduction is a viable approach to ensure the continued safety of the blood supply against emerging pathogens. However, the currently licensed pathogen reduction techniques are ineffective against non-enveloped viruses such as hepatitis A virus, and they introduce chemicals with concerns of side effects which prevent their widespread use. In this report, we demonstrate the inactivation of both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses in human plasma using a novel chemical-free method, a visible ultrashort pulsed laser. We found that laser treatment resulted in 2-log, 1-log, and 3-log reductions in human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis A virus, and murine cytomegalovirus in human plasma, respectively. Laser-treated plasma showed ≥70% retention for most coagulation factors tested. Furthermore, laser treatment did not alter the structure of a model coagulation factor, fibrinogen. Ultrashort pulsed lasers are a promising new method for chemical-free, broad-spectrum pathogen reduction in human plasma.
Insights
A novel chemical-free laser method effectively inactivates enveloped and non-enveloped viruses in human plasma, preserving key coagulation factors. This visible ultrashort pulsed laser technology offers a promising approach for safer blood transfusions.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Virology
- Hematology
Background:
- Current pathogen reduction techniques face limitations against non-enveloped viruses like hepatitis A virus.
- Existing methods utilize chemicals that may cause side effects, hindering widespread adoption for blood safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel, chemical-free method for inactivating both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses in human plasma.
- To assess the impact of this method on the integrity and function of essential coagulation factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a visible ultrashort pulsed laser for pathogen reduction in human plasma.
- Quantified viral log reductions for human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis A virus, and murine cytomegalovirus.
- Assessed the retention of coagulation factors and structural integrity of fibrinogen post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Achieved 2-log reduction of human immunodeficiency virus, 1-log of hepatitis A virus, and 3-log of murine cytomegalovirus.
- Demonstrated retention of ≥70% for most tested coagulation factors in laser-treated plasma.
- Confirmed no structural alteration to fibrinogen, a model coagulation factor, after laser treatment.
Conclusions:
- Ultrashort pulsed laser treatment is an effective chemical-free method for broad-spectrum pathogen reduction in human plasma.
- This technology shows promise for enhancing blood supply safety without compromising essential hemostatic components.
- Further research into visible ultrashort pulsed lasers could lead to improved pathogen inactivation strategies for transfusion medicine.
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